Tributes have been paid to the founder of a Somerset autism charity following his death earlier this month.

Campbell Main, who founded Autism Somerset, died peacefully at his West Huntspill home aged 85 on January 2.

He founded the charity after his experiences with his own autistic son and has gone on to help hundreds of children with the condition.

Autism Somerset director Allison Ward said: “Campbell was a truly remarkable man who was well known to many of us as a champion of ‘our people’, as he liked to call our children and other loved ones on the autistic spectrum.

“With the heart of a lion, he took on the cause for rights and support for people with autism and galvanised us, their families and carers, to fight alongside him.

“He was knowledgeable and courageous, making himself known to all and sundry, undaunted by titles or hierarchy.

“Campbell made sure to always be where his views mattered – he he knew his beliefs and stood by them.

“He was a warm and personable human being with a background in farming that gave him a love of the countryside.

“He was a family man and spoke proudly of his grandchildren.

“It has been an honour to know him. He will be sorely missed – a gentleman and a warrior.

“His family are very grateful for the many messages of love, support and condolence they have received.”

In 2013 Campbell was given the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Chairman’s Award for his work with the charity.

Campbell was married to his wife Catherine for 54 years and together they had three children and four grandchildren.

He moved to Somerset from Essex 15 years ago, and is a retired agricultural lecturer and sheep farmer.

In 1949, aged 17, Campbell travelled from Winchester, through Devon and Somerset by pony.

Campbell’s funeral will be held at St Peter and All Hallows Church in Church Road at 12.30pm on Monday.

Donations, which will go to the church’s roof fund and disabled service charity Motivation, can be sent to: Ashley Edwards Funeral Directors, 10 Church Street, Highbridge, TA9 3AF.